The Policing Minister, , has today (15 January)
chaired a new taskforce to tackle vehicle theft.
The taskforce replicates the successful model used to
reduce moped-related crime in London, which fell by a third
in the period from January to October 2018 compared with
the same period in 2017 last year. It will drive forward
action to reduce and prevent vehicle crime and promote best
practice.
The taskforce will meet every six months and publish an
action plan with new measures. Vehicle theft has risen by
7% in the last 12 months and has impacted communities
across the country.
Chairing the meeting, Policing Minister said:
We are determined to take swift and decisive action on
emerging crime threats. With rates of vehicle theft
increasing, I am keen to ensure everything is being done
to prevent these crimes.
Drawing together the police, industry and government
proved to be a successful way to see what more could be
done to support police efforts to tackle moped crime and
I’m eager to see the results of applying a similar model
to vehicle theft.
The determination and common purpose at this morning’s
meeting was encouraging and I’m confident the taskforce
will significantly strengthen our response to vehicle
theft.
The taskforce’s work includes:
- improving vehicle security standards across the
industry
- ensuring robust measures are in place to prevent
criminals exploiting the motor salvage process
- reviewing whether further measures are required to stop
devices that may be used to commit vehicle theft falling
into criminals’ hands
Attendees for today’s event included representatives from:
- National Police Chiefs’ Council Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders Limited
- Thatcham Research
- Retail Motor Industry
- Motorcycle Retail Industry Association
- Association of British Insurers
- Combined Industries Theft Solution
- Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime
- West Midlands PCC
- West Midlands Police
